Watch: Adam Voges picks Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne and Stuart Broad in his All-Time XI
Australian middle-order batsman Adam Voges has become the latest entrant in Lord’s Cricket Ground’s exclusive initiative which provides a platform for cricketers to select an all-time XI from those who have played with/against or influenced them in any manner.
Armed with an inexplicable average of 95.50* from 15 Tests, the right-hander from Perth is one of the most consistent Test batsmen going around in the international circuit currently.
His ideal opening combination sees Matthew Hayden and Sachin Tendulkar paired with each other. Apart from having a left-right advantage, the former’s belligerence should complement the Indian master’s precise technique.
Voges enthuses, “Opening the batting in my team – to start with, Matthew Hayden. Big, tall and strong batsman who used to take the attack to the new-ball bowlers. Partnering him would be Sachin Tendulkar, don’t really need to say too much about one of the greatest players of all time.”
With the 36-year old calling Ricky Ponting as the best captain that he has played under, it is no surprise that ‘Punter’ gets to lead the eleven. Citing Lara’s wizardry over Australia, Voges also believes that the left-hander was the most elegant batsman of the lot.
Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara who hit peak form towards the final phase of his career seals a spot in the middle-order as well. The presence of all-rounder Jacques Kallis much lower down the order adds balance to the side.
Also Read: Alex Hales picks Virender Sehwag, omits Sachin Tendulkar from his all-time XI
Lauding Adam Gilchrist’s contribution in revolutionizing the role of wicket-keeper batsman in the sport, Voges picks him at the pivotal number 7 position. Due to his reputation as a game changer, Shane Warne has been chosen as the sole spinner.
The metronomic Glenn McGrath will lead the bowling attack by bringing an enormous amount of experience with him. Often serving as Yang to Warne’s Yin, the duo formed a dangerous partnership and tormented batsmen across the globe.
Dale Steyn’s ability to swing the ball at significant pace means he should join McGrath in opening the bowling. Aside from the South African speedster, the only other active player in the eleven will be the mercurial Stuart Broad.
On Broad’s selection, Voges explains, “I am going with Stuart Broad, played a little bit with him at Nottinghamshire and against him too. A wonderful competitor who has always stood up in Ashes and helped England win the series in recent times. So, I am putting him in my team.”
Comprising of as many as five Australians, his team also has two South Africans and one each from India, England, West Indies, Sri Lanka.
(*The ongoing first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia at Pallekele has not been taken into account.)
Final Eleven: Matthew Hayden, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting (c), Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Dale Steyn, Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath